At a time when the future of the women’s national volleyball team suddenly became uncertain, Alyssa Valdez stepped forward with a message that went beyond wins, lineups, or controversies.
For the longtime face of Philippine volleyball, the bigger fight now is keeping the national team alive — and keeping everyone moving in the same direction.
Speaking during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday, the former Alas Pilipinas captain openly acknowledged the difficult situation surrounding the formation of the squad that will represent the country in the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup in Candon, Ilocos Sur.
After several members of the 2025 Alas core declined national team duties amid concerns regarding athlete welfare, the Philippine National Volleyball Federation was left rebuilding almost from scratch.
That situation eventually opened the door for a veteran-led group bannered by Valdez, Ces Molina, Jov Gonzaga, and several experienced names to answer the call for flag and country.
Rather than focusing on the noise surrounding the roster changes, Valdez chose to center her message on appreciation.
“To our federation (the PNVF), despite all the challenges, we’re very, very grateful na patuloy pa rin ang paglaban nila para magkaroon ng national team,” said Valdez.
The Creamline star also emphasized that the current version of Alas Pilipinas should not be viewed as divided between veterans, younger players, or previous members of the program.
Instead, she hopes this latest chapter becomes an opportunity to strengthen the foundation of Philippine volleyball moving forward.
“Hopefully, we’re all here—as mga veterans, mga bata, mga coaches, and mga former na mga naging part ng national team—to help, siguro, build a better and more, siguro, powerful PNVF,” she added.
OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.
“..we’re all here as veterans, mga bata, coaches, & yung mga former na naging part din ng national team to help build a better & a more powerful PNVF.”
“..sana mas maging united & mas committed tayo for the betterment of the PNVF.”
— Alyssa Valdez
— Hanyu 選手 𓆩
𓆪 ⸆⸉ (@mushroomzuru) May 26, 2026
PSAValdez’s return to the national team has drawn mixed reactions online, particularly because of her close ties with several players from the previous Alas core, including longtime teammate Jia De Guzman.
But instead of fueling any tension, the three-time PVL MVP made it a point to acknowledge and thank the former national team members who previously carried the program.
Without naming specific players, Valdez stressed that everyone involved with Alas Pilipinas ultimately shared the same intention — to help Philippine volleyball grow.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank all the players—former, recent, and naging part ng national team—kasi we all mean well for the national team, and lahat ng commitment na binigay nila sa national team, talagang ang sarap sa pakiramdam bilang isang atleta,” she said.
“So, nagpapasalamat kami sa lahat ng mga atleta at nag-represent ng national team and Alas din.”
She also used the opportunity to call for stronger unity and long-term commitment around the national team setup as the federation attempts to move forward from one of its most turbulent stretches in recent years.
“We’re really hoping na magtuloy-tuloy, and sana mas maging ano tayo, siguro, united and mas committed for the betterment of the PNVF,” she added.
Before ending her remarks, Valdez also thanked Rebisco, the mother company behind Creamline, for continuing to support both her career and her national team journey.
Now, with less than two weeks before the AVC Women’s Cup begins, the spotlight shifts toward whether this reassembled Alas Pilipinas squad can transform uncertainty into another meaningful run for the country.
Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!
Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.
Leave a Reply